How to Track a Cell Phone on Google Earth

Google has revolutionized the way geographical information is used with their Google Earth program. What began as a simple, free map has developed into a comprehensive collection of geographical tools. People can now see aerial views of the Earth from a satellite, visit streets from a virtual car and tour 3D images of historic buildings without leaving their home. Google's Latitude, the latest addition to this innovative map system, now allows friends and family members to track each other through their cell phones.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Google account
• Computer with internet connection
• Cell phone with mobile web connection

1. Go to Google's Latitude website, www.google.com/latitude, and log into your Google account.

2. Enter your cell phone number in the box that says, "Enter your number or visit google.com/latitiude on your mobile browser." Press the "Send a link to my phone" button; you will receive a text message with a link to a website inviting the cell phone user to accept latitude.

3. Follow the link on your cell phone's web browser to go to Google's latitude website. Note that cell phone providers may charge additional fees for using mobile web; this will not work without mobile web. If you are tracking a friend's phone, they will also have to complete steps three and four.

4. Allow Google to use your current location. Select "Yes" when the dialog box appears that says, "Allow Google Latitude to view your current location."

5. Follow the cell phone. An image displaying the cell phone location will appear on the Google Earth map for the computer that initiated the latitude request. As long as the cell phone remains connected to the latitude website, Google will follow the cell phone. Note that locations are only displayed if the cell phone users chose to share their location with their friends.

References

• Mobile Help

Resources

• Google Latitude